Pillars of Age

Stranded Sails, Sailing Steam

AUVEDA

That night, the Northern Ice Sea lay tranquil, a vast expanse of frozen beauty under the soft glow of the nearly full moon, Zutir. The icy surface, dotted with floes, shimmered with a pristine, ethereal light.

A wooden ship, stranded on the icy shore, was dusted with a gentle snowfall. The wreck was bathed in light from Zutir and a large campfire nearby, casting a warm glow against the cold night.

Dozens of Gnomes moved about the ship and campfire, their movements hurried and anxious. Among them, one figure stood out—a slightly taller mortal with silver hair, who kept a deliberate distance from the noisy crowd.

"It's been two nights stranded, and those Gnome argue more than they work..." Auveda muttered, her voice tinged with irritation. She watched the captain, a Gnome with a thick white mustache, struggle to organize his crew to repair the ship's hole. "...because he can't control the ship or its passengers."

A crew member approached her, his tone respectful, "Lady Auveda, may I request the warming potion for tonight?"

Auveda's expression remained impassive as she reached into her bag and handed over a large glass bottle filled with purple liquid.

"Remember, only for those working on the repairs. If I see any lazy Gnome by the fire drinking this, I won't share it again," she warned, her voice firm.

"Of course, Lady!" the Gnome replied, bowing slightly before hurrying back to the workers. Those warming themselves by the fire shivered, casting resentful glances at Auveda.

Suddenly, one of the crew repairing the ship above called out, "Ship! There's a ship sailing over there!"

Auveda and the Gnomes rushed to the edge, peering into the distance.

"Yes, it looks like a ship. But why is it emitting smoke?" one of the Gnome asked, his voice filled with curiosity and concern.

The Gnome captain, his moustache bristling, added, "I don't see its sails, and the wind is blowing in the opposite direction."

"Look, its hull is dark, but the top is illuminated by a fireless light," another pointed out, their eyes wide with wonder.

A hush fell over the group.

"Could that line of light be an omen? A sign of the world destroyer coming from the sea?"

"Don't be foolish..." Auveda murmured.

"It's possible—a ship moving by burning itself and surrounded by unnatural lights."

"Don't act foolish..." Auveda murmured again.

"We must not be seen. Put out all the fires!" someone shouted in panic.

"Wait, my lords, we don't know yet..." the captain tried to reason, but the other Gnomes ignored him, scrambling to extinguish the flames.

They rushed about, some smothering the fire on the ship, others dashing to the campfire, covering it with snow.

The captain tried again, "Please don't, if the wood gets wet..."

"Shut up, Bligh, you're a useless captain!" one of the Gnome near the fire cursed.

"Don't listen to him, quickly put out the fire!" another ordered.

Auveda, exasperated, bowed her head and pressed her hand to her forehead.

Once the campfire and all light sources were extinguished, the Gnome nervously watched the smoking ship move across the sea until it disappeared on the western horizon.